#Logan my brother if someone told me they needed me when I'm at my lowest most miserable state AND THEN their actions prove they needed me

[brainrotcharacters]

notice how as soon as Logan saw Wade wasn't gonna let up on the "I need you" bullshit, Logan started to self-sabotage?

[britswriting]

Unbroken (5)

Unbroken Masterlist

Read on Wattpad

*Leighton's POV*

"Thank you for giving me a place to stay, but I'm leaving now" I hissed, feeling betrayed by her.

"ALL YOU DO IS RUN AWAY!" Aaliyah screamed, causing more people to look at us as I pulled out my phone. I was going to call an uber, but then realized I couldn't afford it.

To my contact list I go.

I went through my contact list, debating who was my best bet.

I decided on my older brother and I thanked god that he answered, and without any questions agreed to come get me.

"Leighton stop running away! Are we really arguing because of a fucking onesie! Are you kidding me!?" She yelled as I walked farther down the sidewalk towards a bench.

"THAT'S NOT WHY I'M MAD! AND WE ARE ARGUING BECAUSE YOU DON'T GET IT!"

"What don't I get?!"

"I WAS SCARED, AND ALONE, AND THE ONLY PERSON WHO WAS WILLING TO BE THERE WAS KATRINA! YOU TOLD ME YOU HAD WORK! I GET THAT! I GET I'M NOT SOMEONE YOU HAVE TO PUT YOUR LIFE ON HOLD FOR, BUT SUPPORT WOULD BE NICE! Suggesting that we buy baby clothes isn't support!"

"You cry every two seconds! And I really did have to work also what the fuck does that even mean? All I said was that the onesie was cute and we should buy it!"

"I'M PREGNANT! WHAT DO YOU EXPECT! TRUST ME, I WISH I COULD CONTROL IT! IT'S EMBARRASSING AND ANNOYING TO CRY ALL THE TIME!"

It was silent and the tears fell down my face, landing on the cement beneath me.

"I feel like ever since I left Gabe, you've given up on me" I whispered, wiping away some tears.

Before  Aaliyah could reply, I was walking to my brother's car, and quickly got in.

We sat in silence for a couple minutes before he spoke. "Are we going to talk about it?" He glanced towards me, and I sighed, leaning my head against the window.

"Aaliyah and I got into an argument. Thank you for picking me up" I gave him the best smile I could muster, which seemed to only be a basically nonexistent one.

It was the thought that counted... right?

"Since when do you guys fight in Target other than what ice cream to buy?" He chuckled, stopping at a red light.

"I don't want to talk about it right now" I replied softly, letting the glare from the lights shine in my eyes.

"Damn, it must've been pretty bad. Where are we going?"

"Stop at Aaliyah's. I want to get my crap" I saw him nod and the rest of the car ride was silent.

Logan helped me carry my boxes into his truck as I gathered up a few of my miscellaneous things that were laying around.

I grabbed 75 dollars and left it on her counter with a note that said.

Here's rent. Thanks for letting me stay Leigh

I left one more note that said

I hope this isn't forever But it's for now.

"Don't you think this is slightly dramatic?" Logan asked and I shook my head, wanting to get away from everything.

"So because she wanted to buy a onesie, you're leaving her and dumping her like she's the lowest piece of trash on Earth?" Logan asked and I pursed my lips.

"It's not forever, but I need to figure some stuff out. Can we please leave?" I asked and he nodded, starting the car. 

That next morning, I woke up in Logan's spare bedroom which confused me for a moment until I remembered what had happened.

I couldn't help but regret my choices, wondering if I truly was overreacting. 

I walked out to their kitchen and saw Cynthia, Logan's wife, cooking something in a pan.

"Good morning, Leighton" She gave me a smile. "Would you like some eggs?" She asked, glancing at me over her shoulder.

I nodded and grabbed some water.

"Where's Logan?"

"Showering" 

I nodded, staying quiet. I sat at the dinner table and traced the wood grain with my finger, zoning out.

"How about we go get our nails done today?" Cynthia asked, dishing some food onto some plates.

"Can you get your nails done whilst pregnant?" I asked, not realizing what I had said.

I watched her tilt her head as her expression changed to a "What did you just say" look.

"What?" I asked, not sure why she was looking at me funny.

"Did you just say you were pregnant?"

Shit

"Um.." I trailed out, not sure of what to say

"Oh my god! Leighton!" She squealed, running over to me.

"Can't. Breathe." I exhaled as she hugged me, which only caused her to hug me tighter.

Just as Cynthia let go, I heard my brother's voice say, "I'd like my little sister to stay alive babe" Making me smirk at Cynthia who rolled her eyes. "What are you two hugging over anyway" He raised an eyebrow at the both of us, Cynthia shrugging whilst forming her lips into a thin line. "Leighton" His voice dropped lower, staring at me.

"I may or may not be pregnant" I sighed and watched his expression turn to surprise. 

"My baby sister got knocked up?!" He shouted and I couldn't tell if he was mad or not and the idea of him being upset with me made my eyes water.

"I'm sorry" I whispered, trying to blink away the tears but instead they fell down my cheeks.

"Who knows?" He asked, taking a seat across from me. 

"You, Cynthia, Aaliyah, Gabe and my new friend Katrina" 

"Gabriel's the dad, right?" He narrowed his eyes at me, and I gasped. "I'm not a whore!"

"I never said you were Leigh" Logan spoke calmly.

"Yes, it's his fucking baby" I hissed, upset he'd even ask me that question.

"Well you haven't exactly been thinking clearly! Have you heard from  Aaliyah?" Logan asked and I shook my head, Logan shaking his head in disapproval at me before his face turned more stern. "You're keeping it right?" He asked and I bit my lip.

"I want to... but I don't know if it's a good idea" I confessed, afraid of what their reactions would be.

"What do you mean?" Cynthia asked, and I sighed, hating having to bring up all this shit again.

I honestly just didn't want to think about it, but I knew that every time I would tell someone I was pregnant, there were always going to be a million questions afterwards. 

"Gabe and I broke up" I told her and Logan scoffed. "Because of the baby? Leighton, he's a dick, don't let him ruin your life!" 

"No. We broke up before I found out I was pregnant"

I watched Logan sigh, leaning back against the chair, frustration easily noticeable on his facial features. 

"Why wouldn't you want to keep the baby?" Cynthia asked, taking a seat next to me once she had handed me a fork for my plate. 

"My life seems to be falling apart ever since I found out" I mumbled, taking a bite of the eggs that had cheese melted onto them.

"What do you mean?" She asked and I glanced towards Logan, who was rubbing his temples.

"I'm broke, I move in with strangers tomorrow, I can't seem to land a job, my boyfriend and best friend couldn't make it to my ultrasound, I can't even imagine how I'm going to afford this baby if I can barely afford rent, which is only 200. I have about 53 dollars to my name right now. How the fuck am I going to raise a baby on that? How am I going to buy food, and keep paying rent, if I can't land a fucking job! I couldn't keep working at Gabe's dad's company. It would feel wrong"

"Did you make this baby alone?" Logan asked me, staring me dead in the eyes.

I just stared at him.

What?

"Did you make this baby by yourself?" He asked again with a sterner tone, and this time I shook my head. "Then you're not paying for the baby alone. He will give you child support and if not, we can either go to court or you have so many other people who would help you in a heartbeat. You're not alone Leighton. Don't let your pride and insecurities get in the way of making the right choices. If you can't afford rent, talk to your roommates, or call me. Leighton we will help you. You're 20. You're not supposed to have the world figured out yet. It's okay to need help. I'm almost 26 and I barely know what I'm doing. Hell, Cynthia has to teach me every time how to properly write a check for our Mortgage. It takes a village to raise a baby, but just because you can walk and talk, doesn't mean the job is done. You have a lifetime of mistakes to make and decades of lessons to learn. You'll never be alone, Leighton. Even if I'm all that's left." Logan reassured me and I was full out sobbing as I stood up and walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, his own wrapping around my back.

"I love you" He whispered, and I just sobbed harder into his shoulder. "You'll never be alone. It'll be okay, I promise. I'm just a call away, always" He whispered into my hair as he rubbed my back.

I finally pulled away and there was a gleam in his eye before he asked with a chuckle "How the hell are you going to tell mom?" Making me laugh as I wiped my tears. 

"I have no idea. Dad will be easier"

"Honestly mom will either be pissed or overjoyed" He chuckled, and I gnawed on my lip, imagining all of the possible outcomes.

Cynthia and I ended up getting our nails done and I was obsessed with how mine turned out.

"I'm honestly surprised you didn't get more gems, they're so pretty!" Cynthia grinned, inspecting my manicure.

"I was so tempted! But I didn't want to be too flashy. By the way, No one tell Lexi we went without her" Cynthia laughed and I giggled glancing over towards her.

"Why?"

"She's already pissed Landon got a boyfriend before her" Cynthia informed me, and I frowned, curious to know why our sister in law knew this information before me.

"He got a boyfriend? Oh my god have you met him?!" I squealed, excited for my little brother.

"Lexi and your dad have, the rest of us haven't. He's apparently edgy, but sweet"

"What do you mean by edgy?" I laughed.

"Like dresses kinda edgy but is apparently a total puppy" 

"Awe, that's cute! Do you know his name?"

"Braxton" 

"Awe! I can't wait to meet him!" I squealed, feeling very excited.

Cynthia and I ended up talking about the baby, and how far along I was and how the ultrasound went.

"I'm due December 5th, so I'll get the best Christmas gift imaginable" 

"Just be glad you live in California" She laughed, and I nodded.

Cynthia and I ended up at some sort of department store, and we got on the topic of my moving into Sam and Colby's.

"Are you at least excited?"

I shrugged, because in all honesty I was quite unsure.

"Just nervous I'll fuck up somehow, I guess. They don't know I'm pregnant" I sighed, reaching for a yellow top. "This yellow would look so pretty against your skin tone" I held the top up to her dark skin tone, feeling envious that she could pull off yellow so well.

"I think they'd be pretty shitty people to kick you out just because you're pregnant" Cynthia noted, grabbing a cute flowy white top.

"I'm not going to fit in that next month" I laughed, Cynthia rolling her eyes.

"Humor me! It's cute!" 

I tried on the top but put it back.

Yeah, it was cute, but no point in wasting money on something that won't fit next month.

"So, tell me about the roommates" she said, reaching for a pair of skinny jeans

"Those won't fit next week" I noted, Cynthia rolling her eyes at me, yet again.

"They're for me silly" She held them up to her waist, asking for my thoughts.

She ended up putting them in the basket, and then asking me again about Sam and Colby.

"Sam seems nice. He seems genuine and like he really wants me there. Plus, his girlfriend has shockingly been by my side no matter what, even though we didn't meet that long ago. She's actually who accompanied me to my ultrasound. She doesn't live there though sadly. Next is Colby, he doesn't seem like a dick, just more closed off. I don't know, he's hard to read at times. Like when I first met him, I felt like he didn't like me, and then he commented on my rose tattoo and how he liked it, and then things went back to being more closed off. When I saw him again, he didn't pay me much attention, and I wasn't feeling good, so I sat in the hallway of the bowling alley we were at, and he bought me food, but then left me alone. Like there are moments he's really sweet, and then there are moments where I feel like he can't even see me"

"Are you desperate for his attention?" Cynthia smirked at me, and I felt my ears get hot. 

Was I?

"No. I just don't want to live with someone who hates me. And then there is Jake. He seems interesting" I shrugged and Cynthia laughed.

"Well I hope it works out for you Leigh. Worst case scenario, the guest room at our house has your name written all over it" Cynthia told me and I smirked. 

"Well I did decorate it"

Cynthia and I moved to a different store and ended up buying some bedding for my new room at Sam and Colby's. I tried to pay for it, but Cynthia told me to consider it part of her housewarming gift which made me roll my eyes since I didn't even own a house yet.

Cynthia ended up helping me move into Sam and Colby's house, both of us carrying a box in, myself carrying my box of clothes and she carried a box of Knick knacks.

Sam greeted us at the door and grabbed the third box, seeming surprised that this was all I had. 

I didn't own a ton of stuff so it wasn't too hard to bring the few box's in.

"Girl, we need to buy you more stuff. We can't live on my little pony figurines" Cynthia laughed, setting the box down.

"Hey, I got that from Logan before he went to college" I pouted, reaching for the pinkish purple My Little Pony figurine.

The bed was pushed to the left corner farthest away from the door, against the wall and across from it was a dresser which was next to a closet.

Cynthia was helping me place the trinkets around, when I heard Colby ask, "Do you need any help?" surprising me.

He wanted to help me?

"I mean, if you don't have anything better to do, we'd enjoy some company" I sat on the floor, reaching for a box and saw him nod out of the corner of my eye.

"This is Cynthia by the way, she's my sister-in-law" I nodded towards her, and Colby said a quick hello.

"So, were you born in California or?" He sat on the floor with me, giving his opinion on where I should put things. 

"No, I moved here when I was 12. I'm actually from Minnesota"

"That's cool! Sam and I are from Kansas"

"Heard Kansas was boring" I chuckled, glancing up at him before pulling more clothes out of my box.

"I mean, it's not the most interesting place on the planet, but if you give it a chance you can find some pretty cool places. Maybe we'll take you there sometime" He suggested, and I nodded.

"Maybe one day" I replied kind of quietly, the idea of going to where they lived played through my head like a movie, clogging up my thoughts.

"Do you guys' care if I use your washing machine soap? I haven't bought any yet. Otherwise, I got to head to the store"

"I don't mind. I doubt Sam would. It isn't anything fancy though" Colby shrugged and I nodded.

I couldn't help but wonder if it would always be slightly awkward between us.

"Can you show me where the laundry room is again?" I questioned, grabbing a box of clothes I had once I stood up.

I followed Colby down the stairs to where the garage door was. "This is the garage door, and then the room next to it is the laundry room" He opened the door for me, and I thanked him.

I tried to ignore him as I put my clothes into the washer, starting it and setting a timer on my phone so I wouldn't forget, but when I looked up, he was still standing there.

Did he not trust me in their home? If not, why'd he let me move in?

"Do you not trust me?" I quickly asked before I could rethink my choices. I instantly felt regret when I watched his eyes widened a little in surprise.

"What?"

"You're hovering. Do you not trust me?"

"What? No. I didn't mean to hover. I'm just bored, sorry" He quickly dismissed, changing his stance to appear more unsure.

"Oh, sorry for accusing" I sighed. "Is it okay if I leave the box here, to carry the clothes back up?"

"Don't you have a hamper?" He questioned, looking confused. I shook my head and mentally sighed.

Another thing to add to the list.

Colby helped Cynthia and I put my room somewhat together. 

"We took the futon out like 2 days ago" Colby chuckled, glancing around the room. "Rooms a lot smaller with a bed in it. Are you sure you don't want Corey's old room?" 

I nodded and reached for my sheets I had gotten earlier with Cynthia, and when I tell you putting the sheets on made me out of breath, you should've seen me try and lay out the comforter.

I breathed heavily, holding my back as I looked at our accomplished work.

"Are you okay?" He laughed as I huffed and puffed. 

"I'm alright" I breathed out.

"Leighton I could've helped you" Cynthia spoke, arriving back from the bathroom.

"Colby helped me, it's okay" I gave her a reassuring smile.

I was very thankful I told her in the car that no one in the house knew I was pregnant, and to not let it slip, especially in times like this where my back fucking hurt, and my stomach felt like hell.

I told Colby I was going to take a shower, I watched him leave the room before I grabbed my shampoo and body wash.

Cynthia had left to go to her mom's house about 15 minutes ago, and I felt kind of lonely again. 

I really didn't know anyone here and having her here made it feel a little more like home.

I walked into the bathroom across the hall and mentally sighed, turning on the fan. 

I always hated showering in new places. It felt wrong. Like it wasn't mine. Like I was invading someone's personal space. 

I had undressed and I did my annual look in the mirror to see if I had a bump yet or not and much to my surprise, I noticed a slight little pudge sticking out.

It definitely looked like I ate too much a couple hours ago, but I knew it was my baby and that was enough to send me into tears.

I assumed all the pains and aches I was feeling throughout the past few days, was my bump working on making itself known, and I couldn't have been more excited. 

I took photos and videos of my stomach, turning my body every angle possible.

I sent the video and photos to Gabe, expressing my excitement.

I could see my baby.

My little baby was in there, and I had physical confirmation.

I just stared at myself in the mirror as tears ran down my face, my hand running over the tiny pudge sticking out.

"Hello little one" I whispered, turning myself to the side, to see my side profile. "You're growing so big and strong! I can't wait to meet you" I smiled down at my tiny bump and took a picture.

When I finished in the shower, I grabbed my journal after putting on some leggings and a hoodie.

Dear little fox, Hey baby, it's mom! The current date is April 26th 2020 and I had my first ultrasound with you a couple days ago! I found out that you're supposed to come on December 5th 2020 which means I'll have you home for Christmas! About 10 minutes ago you had mom crying in the bathroom all because I finally have a little bump! I can finally see you! I can't wait to feel you, to hear you, to hold you. I can't believe you're mine. I found out from the doctor that I'm 8 weeks pregnant with you, which means 32 more weeks until I get to meet you! As of tomorrow, I'll be 9 weeks which means even less time until I have to see you! I can't wait little one. I have moved into Sam and Colby's home, which means my independence adventure has begun! I have a job interview with Target tomorrow, and I really hope I get it. I need to start saving money for you. I can't get seeing you on the Ultrasound out of my head. I'm honestly so thankful that Sam's girlfriend Kat went with me and filmed it. Your dad really wanted to be there, but sadly he had to work. I could listen to your heartbeat till the end of time. I sent him a video of your strong little heartbeat and he's just as excited as I am! It's the most amazing sound. I sobbed like a big baby when I heard it. But then again, you're messing with mom's emotions a lot lately. It will be worth it though for the day we make eye contact. When I witness your first smile or laugh, even the first diaper change, it will all be worth it. I already know you're going to do amazing things, and I can't wait to watch them happen right in front of my eyes. Here's to 32 weeks little one. I can't wait! Pregnancy Stats: Name: Leighton Rae Fox Age: 20 Trimester: First Week: 8 Date: April 26th 2020 Symptoms: Morning sickness, overly emotional, back and stomach aches and pains Hating: The look of pizza, makes mom throw up :/ The baby bump and ultrasound picture!

A knock on my door startled me, causing me to slam my journal shut.

"Come in" I called out and watched the door open, revealing Sam.

"Just wanted to see if you need any help" He peeked his head around the door making me laugh.

"Colby already offered, I'm good thank you" I gave him a small smile and he nodded.

"Do you want some people to come over as a welcome party, or would you rather it just be the roommates?" Sam asked, walking more into the room.

"Can it just be us? If that's okay. I'm really tired" 

"Yeah, that's fine. What do you want for dinner? We usually do Pizza night with friends if you're interested" he said and then raised an eyebrow at me as I quickly shook my head.

"No pizza please"

"You hate pizza?" Sam asked, flabbergasted. 

I quickly shook my head, because that wasn't the case at all. 

"It just doesn't sound good" I mumbled, feeling awkward now.

Hopefully this pizza night thing wasn't an often occurrence and if it was, I hope my baby decides to like it...

"Alright well think about it and let me know. River is coming back tonight; he's apparently pissed off at Aaliyah. I don't know. I'll invite over Kat and Stas so you don't feel like you're the only girl, and then Colby and I will be here"

I couldn't help but wonder who their old roommates were. 

I knew some Corey kid used to live here, but apparently, he moved out, but that still left 2 open rooms, not including mine that were now vacant. 

"Wait before you leave! I have the rent and food money! I hope cash is fine" I bite my lip, quickly reaching for my purse.

"Why do you have 200 in cash?" Sam chuckled.

No one tell him I only have 53 dollars to my name now.

I had thankfully set it aside once I found out, putting it in its own envelope so I wouldn't accidentally spend it.

"I have two, one hundred dollar-bills" I handed them over to Sam and he nodded.

"I mean, I feel like I don't want to know why you have two singular one hundred bills" He chuckled. "Are you sure you don't need any help though?"

I nodded "I just have some stuff in the wash, and then I'm all good. I have a job interview tomorrow that I got to make sure I'm ready for"

"Oh? Where at?"

"Target" I shrugged. "Got to start saving money"

Sam nodded and wished me good luck before leaving.

I ended up falling asleep, only to be woken up by Kat yelling "WELCOME HOME LEIGHTON!" Throughout the house. 

I held the pillow over my face, pulling my covers up closer to my chest in hopes of drowning it out, but then my door opened.

"Leighton! Get up! It's time to party!" Kat clapped, climbing onto my bed.

"Pregnant people don't party" I mumbled.

"C'mon Leighton! We bought you a surprise!"

"Kat growing a human is hard believe it or not. I'm tired, go have fun without me" I rolled over, so my back was towards her and tried to fall back asleep.

"Don't make me go get Colby" She playfully threatened, and I rolled my eyes.

Yeah right.

I just ignored her and closed my eyes.

"COLBY COME QUICK! LEIGHTON HURT HERSELF!" Kat screamed, causing my eyes to shoot open.

"Katrina!" I hissed, kicking her with my leg from under the covers. 

She started laughing and I heard the frantic, loud footsteps coming up the stairs. 

I saw the door fling open, and in front of us stood a frantic Colby. "Where is she hurt? How is she hurt? Is she okay?" He rapidly fired questions.

"I'm fine! I'm sorry she did that" I pouted, seeing the distress written all over his face. 

"Colby tell her to get up! We got a surprise for her!" Kat grinned and I watched Colby continue to recover from the recent scare.

"Kat you can't just go around screaming people are injured, just because they don't want to go somewhere with you. We don't know her very well! For all I know you found her with slit wrists! Don't do that" Colby scolded Kat, and I could tell he was genuinely mad.

I instantly felt even more guilty, even though it wasn't my fault.

Why was he so upset?

I understood where he was coming from... but did he really think he'd find me like that?

"Pass me my hoodie please" I sighed, and I noticed Colby's face scrunch up a little bit. "I'll meet you downstairs, I have to pee" I waited for them to leave before taking my arms out from under the covers and putting on my hoodie. 

When I walked downstairs, I noticed Sam and Kat were in a deep conversation off in the corner, raising suspicion, and Colby and the girl from the bowling alley were sitting on the couch, playing Mario Kart. When I noticed they were the only ones here, my heart fell to my stomach.

I bit my lip, finding my way to the nearest closed off room. It happened to be a bathroom.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Aaliyah's number. It rang for a while, but she never answered.

I tried again, and again, and again, and got nothing.

I felt the tears start to fall down my face as I sat on the tiled floor. The quick droplet turned into full out sobs as I tried again, and again, and again. I had called her probably 12 times, and still got nothing.

I don't know how long I was sat in the bathroom crying, or should I say hyperventilating. All I wanted was for my best friend to come back, and to be here with me right now... but no matter how many texts I sent her, I got nothing in return.

I wish I could take it all back.

* * * * 

Written on: December 1st, 2nd, 3rd 2021

Published on Wattpad: December 3rd 2021

Published to Tumblr: April 26th 2022

Word Count: 4.7k

Part Six

[bleepblopbloop56]

The Murder In The Dressing Room

Chapter 9

Mostly unedited.

Warnings: blood, major character death, guns.

For an update on the situation read this post

"He's so tiny…" Logan laughed lightly, watching as Patton's little hand wrapped around his pinkie, not even closing all the way around it. He tried to pull in his hand to his mouth before Logan tutted and pushed a pacifier in instead. The news that he now had a real human child still hadn’t fully sunk in yet. He was properly accommodated, of course- the apartment was stuffed with cribs, bottles, pacifiers, toys, baby clothes (including Patton’s current light blue onesie dotted with little white cupcakes- which, as a police officer, Logan could say with authority was illegally cute), and diapers galore- but that didn't make it any less terrifying. 

"He looks like a baby doll," Virgil commented, playing with his toes. Patton squealed and drooled around his pacifier.

"He is rather perfect, don't you think?" Logan giggled. A lot had happened in the last few months. Roman had cheated on him, his best friend had died giving birth and he’d had to fight to adopt her child as soon as possible… but now he was here, holding Patton in his home for the first time. 

"Uh oh, is Detective Grey getting all emotional?" he giggled, tickling Patton lightly. "You hear that? Dadda's getting all emotional over you! Your dadda looovesssss yooooou!" he baby talked, punctuating each sentence with a tickle. Patton kicked his little legs the best he could in fits of giggles.

"He loves you so much Patton! He's gonna be the best dad in the whole world!"

 

“Please pick up, please pick up, please pick up,” Logan chanted as if it would actually do something as he shot down the road. He had barely had enough time to shout out directions and get his gear before racing down the street like his life depended on it. If Logan had his way, he'd make the forty minute drive in ten or crash trying.

“Yellow?” Emile's typical greeting was as cheerful as ever, despite the obvious grogginess in his voice. That was what he got for being an old man who went to bed at 6 o’clock. 

“Patton- where is he?” Logan demanded, taking a turn a little too fast and sliding off the road for a moment before straightening out, mumbling obscenities under his breath all the while. How many traffic laws was he breaking? What would he do if he came across another car on the road? Did it even matter? 

“He's in the living room- Logan, what's wrong?” he started sounding more conscious, a hint of concern creeping into his voice. “Are you okay?”

“Go check on him right now," Logan ordered, “and don't let him leave your sight until I tell you its safe.” Another car swerved around him, nearly hitting him. Distantly, Emile could hear a horn honking and Logan shouting curses in return. 

“Logan what's happening?” He shuffled on a robe, pulling himself up and towards the door. A quick peek into the living room verified that the toddler was sleeping peacefully on the baby bed Emile had managed to stuff in his car while picking Patton up. As if he could sense Emile’s gaze, Patton sputtered a bit before rolling over, the picture of peace. “He's fine, fast asleep, but Logan, are you okay?” 

“Go get him. Now. Don't let him out of your sight until I say so, okay?” There was only hesitant silence from the phone. “Okay?!” 

"Okay," Emile whispered back softly. He picked Patton up with shaking hands, shushing him when he started to wake up. But it was to no avail: despite his best efforts, Patton started to cry on the walk back to Emile’s room. "Logan," he pleaded, "just tell me what's going on."

Hearing the sound of Patton's voice made him slow down significantly. Getting killed in a car crash would only hurt Patton; besides, if Logan was going to die, that son of a bitch would have to kill him himself. Logan wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of doing it without putting in the work. 

"There's been a threat... I can't come get him until we know the suspect is in police custody." Logan faltered, his attempt at a neutral voice failing, and he had to clear his throat before continuing. "They got Remy… my partner. We have a significant lead, but that's all I can say. This is all going to be over soon." He didn't mention that by "lead" he meant "I know who killed them and I'm currently speeding to his house to either kill him or get killed."

"What does that mean?" Emile put down Patton on his bed, rubbing his hand through his hair to get him back to sleep. His brother had always told him everything, and him evading the question like this was enough to make him feel as if the world was ending. Logan didn't lie, and he didn't avoid questions. No matter what you asked him, Logan would respond quickly and honestly, even if that answer was I don't know. 

"Someone’s made a threat on Patton's life," he said quietly, pointedly not vocalizing "and mine as well.'' "I need you to double check your doors and windows for me, make sure everything's secure, and call 911 if you hear anything at all, okay?" 

The other end was silent as Emile struggled to think of a response.

"Please be safe" he settled on. Logan nodded, mumbling an "I will" before hanging up, grip on the wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. 

"Roman?!" Logan screamed. Distantly, Logan wondered what his colleagues would think if they saw him like this, wild-eyed and hoarse from shouting and breaking down doors in a house he didn’t have a permit to enter. He wasn't clearing rooms, he didn't have his gun in his hand; he was just ransacking the place in a blind panic. All of it went against protocol, and right now he couldn’t care less. "Roman, where are you?!"

His mind jumped back to the text he'd gotten right after he had found Remy’s body. Logan had been standing in his office- the room he worked in nearly every day, defiled by the blood of one of his closest friends- when his phone chimed. He could only stare dully at the words flashing there. 'I can't do this, I'm going home,' they read, and for a second Logan wondered if this was it- if he was going to lose Roman as quickly as he’d gotten him back.

But that hadn’t been Roman. It couldn't have been. Logan wouldn't believe it. And the only thing worse than the idea of Roman leaving was the idea that Roman had left because he was in trouble- that Ethan had gotten to Roman before he could.

Logan froze at the sound of the front door slamming behind him, the noise cutting through even Logan’s shouts. He had known, at the back of his mind, that he was being unforgivably reckless. He had entered Ethan's territory disregarding the fact that he had proven himself more intelligent and capable than any criminal he faced before. But he had still thought that he would get farther than a few rooms into the house before being caught.

And now he was going to die.

"God, this is so fucking sad," a voice hissed, the telltale noise of a gun cocking behind him far too close for comfort. "You couldn't just stay put, could you? I was JUST about to go find you, and now I have to worry about fucking blood stains on my white carpet…"

Logan whipped around, only to freeze again at the sight of the barrel of a gun in his face, Ethan behind the trigger. Ethan kicked him in the stomach before he could reach for his gun, knocking him to the floor. Logan wheezed, desperately trying to regain his breath and get back up, but Ethan loomed over him, pressing his gun to Logan's forehead. 

Logan braced himself. He'd been a detective for a long time- he knew what was coming next.

But Ethan only made a tutting noise, wagging his finger disapprovingly. "Silly little detective…" he laughed. "If you behave, I might just kill you the easy way! Let's not make this harder than it has to be…" He traced the gun down Logan's face, the cold metal gazing his eye and cheek before landing on his lips. "Well, let's see how well you roll over for me. Why don't you give it a kiss, huh?" The look in his eyes dared Logan to say no. Like he wanted to see how long he could drag out his little game before either he or Logan snapped.

It would be beyond degrading to kiss the gun that would most likely end him, to look his killer in the eyes when he was on his knees. But between the choice of humiliation and survival… Logan puckered his lips and lightly kissed the gun. If he could just keep Ethan distracted until backup arrived everything would be okay, it had to be… 

"Good boy!" The sick feeling in Logan's gut only worsened at Ethan's tone- it was as if he was talking to a dog who had successfully performed a trick rather than a human being he was threatening to murder. "Good boys get treats! You know what your treat is?!" He spoke in high trills, happy hisses filled with poison. Logan noticed Dee had scale tattoos crawling up his arm, starting presumably from underneath his yellow glove. "Your treat is a quick and easy death! Do try to keep it down, we don't want the noise to scare Roman. " Dee traced the gun around his face again before pressing it against his temple. He pushed Logan's head gently with the gun, moving until his cheek pressed against the wall, and Logan could tell instinctively that this time Dee wouldn’t hold back.

"Wait!" Logan shouted, the refrain keep him distracted, keep him distracted running through his head. "I want to have another… treat." Over the blood thundering in his ears, a thought reverberated in his head, slamming like a wave against his brain again and again: This is the lowest moment of my life.

Ethan perked up, happy his little toy was playing his game so easily, but the suspicious glint in his eyes told Logan he didn't have long to talk.

"Let me say goodbye to Roman.." The words ached in his chest. Logan knew he had to play up the pathetic factor to get Ethan to humor him, but they came out too honest and real for him to convince himself it was all for show. Somewhere behind the desperation, it was a legitimate request. 

Ethan hesitated like he was thinking about it, clicking his tongue a few times in thought. "I don't know if you've been that good" he said slowly. "I think I'd rather just kill you!" He smiled, and Logan suddenly thought back to the brief personality profile that had been pulled together on him when Roman was deemed a suspect. Everything about Ethan seemed to point to a perfectly friendly, if slightly closed-off, man with a clean record and plenty of friendly acquaintances. Nothing to suggest someone like this..

Logan was out of options, out of time, and he decided if he could just drag this out, just long enough to keep roman alive.. If he could just llay into what ethan wanted from him...

Put on a show… 

He hunched his shoulders and began to cry.

"Please," he begged, hoping that Ethan would enjoy seeing Logan in pain enough to let the scene last longer. Maybe not long enough for Logan to come out of this alive, but long enough for the cops to arrive, long enough to save Roman… "I know I took him from you-" appealing to him directly- "and I know that you're angry, but please… Just let me see him one last time." 

His shoulders were heaving now, real tears falling to the ground. It wasn't just Roman he was crying about- it was all of them. All of the innocent lives taken simply because they knew the wrong people, caught in a spider web of murders only because they had offered a home to Roman or a helping hand to Logan. He cried for how he had screamed and broke things after finding Virgil in the bedroom until he heard the sirens approaching his apartment. How he'd pulled Roman away from his brother, lying in a pool of red, the one and only time Remus had ever been quiet. How he had said goodbye to Thomas one day and then hadn't visited him again until he had been murdered. How not even an hour before now he had seen his partner, his friend, Remy sitting where he did so often, coffee cold on the desk and glasses broken on the floor. How Patton could be next, and by association Emile.

And Ethan laughed.

"Oh, alright!" he giggled, high-pitched and manic. He pushed Logan's chin up with his gun to look at him. "No need to look so pathetic, little detective! This'll be good for Roman, to see you die." 

Logan moved to stand up, but Ethan leaned down and grabbed his hair, shoving him back down. 

"Nuh-uh-uh!" Ehtan chirped, bringing the gun up to Logan’s forehead again and pressing down. "Be a good little boy and crawl for me?”

Logan froze, his thoughts from before echoing. But he had no way out, and they both knew it. Ethan grinned like a hunter watching their prey walk into a trap. "Come on, let’s go." 

It couldn't have been comfortable for Ethan to pull Logan forward through the whole house, but for the pleasure of humiliating his victim, it was worth it. He dragged Logan all the way to the back of the house until they reached a door so small Logan probably would’ve skipped it while searching for Roman. He flipped open the lock and turned the light on one-handedly before starting down the stairs, allowing Logan to walk while keeping a firm grip on his hair.

"Logan?" Roman's voice was scratchy from crying, but it flooded with disbelief, wonder, hope- until he registered who Logan was with. "Ethan, what are you doing, let him go!" he yelled, scrambling to his feet.

Ethan shoved Logan to his feet, sauntering forward to Roman. "Little Detective Grey here cracked the case, and this is his reward! He wanted to say goodbye to his precious little baby." The fake pout in his voice was somehow more disrespectful than anything he'd done so far. Roman's lip trembled heavily, crying despite having no more tears. 

"But I followed the rules!" he pleaded. "I didn't run or yell or call anyone- Ethan, I'm sorry, I'll be good- I followed the rules, please! Please, don't hurt him-" He clutched onto Ethan's shirt, shaking enough to match his stuttering, but Ethan just shoved him off forcefully.

"This is for your own good, Roman," he sneered. "You have sixty seconds to say goodbye. Play nice, boys," He let go of Logan's hair and let him lurch for Roman, like a dog being let off their leash.

"Fifty-eight! Fifty-seven!" Roman began to sob as the countdown started, loud and He started counting down loudly, Logan hushed the apologies and sobs from Roman, trying to get him to quieten down for long enough to hatch a plan. 

"Roman, listen to me, he'll be watching my hands. I need you to grab my gun and when I say go I need you to use it," he mumbled quickly in his ear. He was trembling himself despite trying to keep things together for Roman. "It's loaded- all you have to do is pull the trigger, okay?"

"Logan-" he sobbed, hand fighting Logan's as he led it down and on top of the gun. 

"It's gonna be okay, Roman… I love you," he said quietly, in the background he could tell they were running out of time by Dee's counting, his numbers getting faster and more gleeful as he counted down. 

"I love you too," Roman said through sobs, gun fully slid out of the holster and now in his hand. 

"Ready?" Logan asked. Five seconds left…

"3…  2… 1," Logan counted down alongside Dee, jumping out of the way of Roman as he pulled up the gun and pointed it towards Ethan's chest. 

It was as if time slowed down to make a frozen tableau- Logan slamming into the hard floor, Roman's shaking hands pulling the trigger, Ethan's expression dropping as he was forced to face the consequences of his actions for the very first time. The noise of the gun was deafening within the small basement, ringing in their ears for what felt like hours after it went off.

One shot, straight to the chest, and Ethan was done, flung backwards by the impact.

Roman dropped the gun after he hit him, flinching at the crash of it hitting the floor and wrapping his arms around himself. 

He looked down at the man in front of him, not dead yet but not alive either. In that state of being where Roman assumes you see your life flash before his eyes. Roman wondered what he saw... 

"I'm sorry..." He cried, jerking away when Logan touched him, hitting the wall and closing his eyes, sobbing as hard as when he had seen remus, shaking like he had been dunked in ice water and left in the arctic, and breathing as if he never would again. 

A door above them bursted open police shouting and flashlights searching every room. "DOWN HERE!" Logan called, flashlights shining in his face when they reached the basement door. Roman raised his hands above his head, now a murderer no better than Ethan.

Taglist

@cataclysm-al @knightinsoftpastels @intruality-fusion @katie-the-noble-fangirl @whizzie72 @grayson-22 @i-have-n0-idea-what-im-d0ing @winterwonderland7669 @missieluvsmurder @sign-from-god-complex @dragonindigo245 @angryfanboyscreaming @ninja-wizard101 @sombraookami @crystalistrappedintheinternet @imtooaromanticforthis @why-should-i-tell-youu2 @dragon-hair @satanblessi @spookilyfingergunsoutofexistence @skruffy901 @selectivereality @nonbeenary-enbee @imbasicallyshakespear @cats-vetal-miking-vomit @incoherentfangirl @oofmood @nonbinary-pineapple @royalnerd829 @idontgiveafuckaboutshit @magma-llama @chumo-cookie